Boating tip: Inlet safety is No. 1

Two boats, a pontoon boat (right) and a TowBoatUS from Sebastian, capsized under the bridge at Sebastian Inlet State Park, Monday, Oct. 16, 2017. Several people went into the water as rescue efforts were underway. All passengers were recovered.(Photo: PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM)Buy Photo

During this time of year, checking the weather and tide conditions before going out to sea could save a life.

When wind directions are from the east, it means that outgoing tides at the Sebastian, Fort Pierce, St. Lucie and Jupiter inlets will create very rough waves at the entrances. The waves can be steep and choppy, which creates fear and can capsize small boats. Or, sometimes the waves generated appear to be on a "conveyor belt" and remain in place where a boat can swamp or get rolled when the operator does not handle it correctly.

Operators of small boats, paddlecraft and inexperienced mariners should avoid the inlets altogether. Boats of any size and make easily can get swamped or capsize as wave sets across the entrance to these inlets could top 10 feet during peak tidal current flow.